How to download YouTube videos on PC (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Downloading YouTube from PC is probably the most common use case. You have a big screen, keyboard, mouse, and stable connection. In this guide I'll walk you through the full process on Windows, Mac, and Linux using just your browser — no 4K Video Downloader, ClipGrab, Free YouTube Download, or any other desktop software.
Why download from PC instead of mobile?
- Faster connection: PC WiFi is usually more stable than mobile data
- More space: PC disks store thousands of videos
- Post-editing: if you'll edit in Premiere/DaVinci, the file is already on the right machine
- Bulk downloads: more comfortable to download playlists from PC
- Multitasking: leave downloads running while doing other things
Step-by-step PC download
1. Copy the YouTube video link
Options:
From youtube.com in browser
- Open the video on YouTube
- Select the URL in the address bar (Ctrl+L)
- Copy it (Ctrl+C on Windows/Linux, Cmd+C on Mac)
From the Share button
On the video, click Share then Copy.
2. Open YTSavr
Go to ytsavr.com. Works in:
- Google Chrome (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Firefox (all platforms)
- Microsoft Edge (Windows, Mac)
- Safari (Mac)
- Brave (all)
- Opera (all)
- Vivaldi, Arc, Tor Browser, etc.
3. Paste and process
Click the main input and paste (Ctrl+V or Cmd+V). Tap Search video. In 2-4 seconds the thumbnail, title, channel, duration, and options appear.
4. Pick quality and download
Available qualities:
- 4K UHD (2160p): if available
- 1440p QHD: when the creator uploaded it
- 1080p Full HD: the most common option
- 720p HD: quality/size balance
- 480p SD: for space saving
- Audio MP3: audio only
Click Download. The browser starts the download.
Where files are saved
Windows 10/11
C:\Users\YOURUSER\Downloads\
To open quickly: press Win+E to open Explorer, click "Downloads" in the sidebar.
Mac
/Users/YOURUSER/Downloads/
Quick open in Finder: Cmd+Opt+L.
Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.)
/home/YOURUSER/Downloads/
Shortcuts and tricks
Bookmark it
Press Ctrl+D (Cmd+D on Mac) on YTSavr to add to favorites. 1-click access next time.
Auto-paste from clipboard
If you copy a YouTube link and go to YTSavr, you'll see a notification offering to paste it automatically. Click accept and done.
Dedicated tab
Keep YTSavr open in a pinned tab. When you want to download something, copy the link and switch with Ctrl+Tab.
Desktop software: worth it?
Programs like 4K Video Downloader, ClipGrab, JDownloader, etc. exist. Compared to YTSavr:
| Feature | Desktop software | YTSavr |
|---|---|---|
| Install | Required | No |
| Updates | Constant manual ones | Auto on server |
| Disk space | 200-500 MB | 0 MB |
| Pro version | $10-30/year subscription | Free |
| Works on any PC | Only where installed | Yes, any browser |
| Bundleware risk | Possible | Impossible |
After downloading
Play the video
Any modern player opens MP4. Recommended:
- VLC Media Player: free, cross-platform
- mpv: minimalist and fast
- PotPlayer (Windows): lots of options
- IINA (Mac): elegant and native
Edit the video
- DaVinci Resolve: free, professional
- Adobe Premiere: industry standard
- Final Cut Pro (Mac): Apple native
- Shotcut: free, easy for beginners
Convert format
- HandBrake: free, all platforms
- FFmpeg: terminal, professional
Frequently asked questions
Do I need software like 4K Video Downloader?
No. YTSavr runs 100% in the browser. Those programs require install, subscriptions, and constant updates. The web is always available.
Is it safe? Any viruses?
Safe because you install nothing on your PC. The files you download are direct MP4s from YouTube, no malware. Just make sure you're on exact ytsavr.com.
Does it work with Brave / Opera GX / Vivaldi?
Yes. Any modern Chromium-based or Firefox-based browser works identically.
Is there a YTSavr Windows / Mac version?
No desktop app because it's unnecessary. The web does everything an app would, without taking space or needing updates.